Asylum family's time runs out

A FAMILY at the centre of a massive campaign to save them from deportation have been put on a plane to Nigeria. Saskia, Toby and Emanuel Iloba, who were hailed by teachers as among the best pupils they had taught, now face an uncertain future.

A FAMILY at the centre of a massive campaign to save them from deportation have been put on a plane to Nigeria.

Saskia, Toby and Emanuel Iloba, who were hailed by teachers as among the best pupils they had taught, now face an uncertain future.

After several temporary reprieves, immigration officials have ruled once and for all against granting the family further asylum in Britain.

Campaigners had believed the teenagers and mum Betty had gained a further stay of execution after a Catholic nun staged a doorstep demo outside the Oldham offices of immigration minister Phil Woolas on Wednesday.

Mr Woolas then invited Rochdale MP Paul Rowen to write a final letter on the family's behalf.

Mr Rowen argued the family had been let down by poor legal work.

But officials ruled yesterday there was no compelling new evidence. The family were put on a 10.20pm flight from Heathrow to Lagos.

They were taken from their home in Falinge, Rochdale, in July and have spent seven weeks at Yarl's Wood detention centre while their fate hung in the balance.

Exemplary

Neighbours, churchgoers, pupils and teachers had heaped praise on the 'exemplary family' - who say they fear violence after demanding an investigation into the death of their policeman father.

Star pupil Toby, 18, had just got top A-level results. Saskia, 17, a former head girl, was aiming to train as a doctor. Younger brother Emanuel, 14, was a promising footballer and student at St Matthew's High in Moston.

Nigeria is regarded by the Foreign Office as a relatively safe destination for tourists.

But human rights group Amnesty say cases of torture, summary executions and disappearances are not uncommon.

Mr Rowen said: "We did everything within our powers to keep this family in the country. I am heartbroken that their positive contribution to Greater Manchester has ended in this manner.

"I'm sorry for all the people who fought tirelessly on this remarkable family's behalf especially Sister Rita, their teachers, football coaches and everyone else.

"I will now be doing my best to ensure the family are safe in Nigeria and can rebuild their lives."

A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "We consider every individual case with enormous care and where someone needs our protection, we will grant it and do so proudly.

"But it is reasonable to expect people who have been found by independent courts not to need asylum to return home."